Ever since the NFL Draft began in 1936, it seems like only three Wide Receivers were picked in the draft for their skills and selected as the number one overall pick in the draft.
It is common to opt for positions like quarterbacks in the NFL draft, which makes wide receiver players getting the number one position in the draft a rare sight.
A Look at the Rare History of Wideouts Taken With the Top Pick
As said, quarterbacks are often prioritised and take the top position in the NFL Draft. But on the other hand, wide receivers rarely hear their name called first in the draft.
In the most extended draft history, only three wideouts have ever been chosen as the No. 1 overall pick.
This unforeseen occurrence was noted because teams usually select quarterbacks, offensive tackles, or defensive ends at the top of the draft, never wide receivers as their first choice.
And if, surprisingly, it happens that the receiver is picked first, it is because they’re seen to be skilled players who can genuinely be game-changers.
Three Wide Receivers That Got Picked No. 1 Overall
1. Dave Parks – 1964, San Francisco 49ers
- College: Texas Tech
- NFL Career: Played 10 seasons
- Achievements: Made the Pro Bowl 3 times
- Stats: 360 catches, 5,619 yards, 44 touchdowns
2. Irving Fryar – 1984, New England Patriots
- College: Nebraska
- NFL Career: Played 17 seasons
- Achievements: Made the Pro Bowl 5 times
- Stats: 851 catches, 12,785 yards, 84 touchdowns
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3. Keyshawn Johnson – 1996, New York Jets
- College: USC
- NFL Career: Played 11 seasons
- Achievements: 3-time Pro Bowler and won a Super Bowl
- Stats: 814 catches, 10,571 yards, 64 touchdowns
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